Property Appraiser Alvin Mazourek reminds residents who purchased a home or moved during the 2011 tax year that they need to submit applications for homestead exemptions by March 1 to get the benefit for the 2012 tax year. Applications after March 1 will be considered for 2013.

To qualify for the homestead exemption and accompanying "Save Our Homes" assessment cap, the home must be the permanent and primary residence of the applicant and spouse. One exemption per married couple is allowed. Those who have moved within the state of Florida and received a homestead exemption on another property within the past two years may be eligible for portability.

For seniors eligible for homestead exemption: If at least one owner is 65 or older prior to Jan. 1 and the total household adjusted gross income during 2010 did not exceed $26,203, and they did not apply for the low-income senior exemption for 2011, an application must be submitted by March 1.

For seniors who did receive a low-income senior exemption for 2011, a 2012 renewal card was mailed with the notice of proposed property taxes last August.

Seniors are required to verify their total household adjusted gross income and check the appropriate box to renew or cancel their exemption and return the card before March 1 to one of the property appraiser's offices: the Hernando County Government Center, Room 463, 20 N Main St., Brooksville; or 7525 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill.

For information, visit the website at hernandocounty.us/pa or call (352) 754-4190.